Thousands hear Franklin Graham preach in Birmingham

Franklin Graham preaching the Gospel in Birmingham on Saturday 15th June 2024. (Photo: BGEA)

Over 8,000 people travelled from around the UK to hear Franklin Graham preach in Birmingham on Saturday night.

It was the American evangelist's first time in the Midlands, with his visit coming forty years since his late father, Billy Graham, preached the Gospel in nearby Villa Park.

"Jesus Christ is not dead. He's alive and he's here tonight," said Graham to cheers and applause inside the Birmingham Resorts World Arena.

Graham is back in the UK to continue his God Loves You Tour, with another night coming up in Glasgow on 22 June.

His thoughts turning momentarily to his father, who preached many times in the UK, Graham said, "I miss him and every time I come to this country I think of him because he loved this nation, he loved the people of this country."

Birmingham was one of the eight cities that Graham had originally planned to visit in 2020, but it was postponed due to legal action against seven venues that cancelled their legally binding contracts. The tour was eventually able to go ahead after the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association took successful legal action against the venues.

Last night, Graham preached from Luke 19, which tells the story of the salvation of Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector who put his faith in Christ and vowed to pay back fourfold anyone he had robbed.

The event was prayerfully supported by 500 churches around the UK, with worship led by Michael W Smith and former Hillsong worship leader Taya.

Graham heads to Glasgow next weekend and will be in London in 2025 for another stop on his God Loves You Tour. More details can be found at https://godlovesyoutour.org.uk/

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.